Mountain Ranch, CA…On May 7, 2019, members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 7000 block of Rim Rock Rd, Mountain Ranch. Investigators found the interior of the main residence, barn, and shed had been converted for the purposes of marijuana cultivation. Deputies seized 2,219 marijuana plants. Da Rong Zheng (55 years of age Mountain Ranch) and Yong Kuai Zheng (43 years of age Mountain Ranch) were arrested on scene and booked into the Calaveras County Jail. Both were charged with 11358(c) H&S-Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11366 H&S-Maintaining a Drug House 182(a)(1)PC-Criminal Conspiracy. Bail was set at $30,000.00. Calaveras County Code Enforcement responded due to multiple county code violations. All structures were determined to be unsafe due to undermined/hazardous electrical work and mold.

(Mountain Ranch, CA) On May 8, 2019 members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 200 block of Old Prospector Trail, Mountain Ranch. Upon arrival one suspect fled from the property evading capture. Investigators located marijuana growing in three greenhouses, each approximately 25’X80’. Deputies seized 381 marijuana plants and one rifle.
(Railroad Flat, CA) On May 9, 2019 members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 2000 block of Railroad Flat Rd, Railroad Flat. Investigators located marijuana growing in two greenhouses each about 15’X25’. Deputies seized 130 marijuana plants, 546 grams of processed marijuana and one rifle. Thomas Burck (31 years of age South Lake Tahoe) was arrested on scene and booked into the Calaveras County Jail. He was charged with 11358(c) H&S-Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11366 H&S-Maintaining a Drug House and 11359 H&S Poss. Marijuana for Sale. Bail was set at $30,000.00.

These clandestine growing operations were indicative of illicit commercial operations and not in compliance with any medical or recreational cultivation. It should be noted that the Marijuana Enforcement Team serves numerous search warrants monthly. During these search warrants, evidence is collected which is used to further the case and overall investigation. The mere fact that no persons may not have been contacted or arrested at some of the locations does not imply that the case is complete. For weeks and/or months following a warrant, the investigation into each site continues. In some cases, charges are referred to the District Attorney at a later date pending the results of evidence testing, interviews, or follow up investigations.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information on illegal marijuana cultivation sites or sites manufacturing concentrated cannabis to call the Sheriff’s Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.